Hi All!
First time poster and looking for some advice. Our cat started showing little interest in his food over the weekend, and stopped eating altogether on Monday of this week. He became very lethargic, non-responsive when called, and has stopped sleeping on the bed, choosing the floor, or inside a closet instead. He no longer grooms himself. He went to the vet yesterday and we were told he was dehydrated. Options were to put him down or pay $600 for tests to *possibly* find out what's wrong. Needless to say we brought him home.

We were given a liquid, high-nutrient food and a syringe to force-feed and give him water with. He's using his litter box and urinating ok, but his stool is very runny. He also seems to be throwing up not long after being fed. He seems weaker than usual, but still has no problems climbing. Any ideas? He's 17, and otherwise healthy. Thanks

Given his age I would say at the very least you need to do a bit of bloodwork and a urine test. I know it can be expensive but these tests will give you an indication of how his kidneys are functioning and other things that naturally happen at this age. Most importantly he needs to eat. Can you put something smelly or enticing on top of the food to get him interested?

I am assuming here he eats wet food?

Maybe the vomitting is stress from being force fed??

I am sure others will be along to offer you some great advice but as I said I think that at the very least those 2 tests will give you an idea of what your dealing with and also how your kitty is feeling.

"UNTIL ONE HAS LOVED AN ANIMAL, PART OF THEIR SOUL REMAINS UNAWAKENED"
He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.
-Unknown

Our 17 year old was like that a couple of times and needed an enema to clear compacted material out of her bowel. She was a long haired cat and did groom herself though we helped with brushing. We had to give sub-Q liquids for a while.

How long did your cat not eat? Did your Vet mention Fatty Liver Disease?

We offered food in tiny, tiny amounts to tempt our girl. Like, 1/8 of a teaspoon at a time. If they are not feeling well a big plate of food is off setting, just as it is for us.

I agree with Longblades, our cat had the same problem and had to have an enema, she would try to throw up and wouldn't eat. Now, when I see her getting like that, I give her Laxatone and Lactulose syrup, and possibly an appetite stimulant.